Heidi Nel is the COO of New Theory Ventures and Wild Elements. Heidi is a strategist and operator whose experience spans entertainment, government, and finance. As Chief Operating Officer and Chief of Staff at New Theory Ventures, she leads the execution and administration of key business, sustainability, and impact verticals, and is accountable for balancing fiduciary interests with non-financial environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors to ensure the firm and its investments support people and the planet. Heidi also serves as COO of Wild Elements, a New Theory portfolio company, which aims to restore the balance between humanity and nature. New Theory Ventures shifts the paradigm to fuse purpose with profit, investing in women and diverse founders at the forefront of conscious living and innovation.New Theory is an evergreen fund and venture catalyst bolstering the goodness and must-have innovation of founders and their brands. It is the commitment to profit that funds purpose, and purpose that creates profit. Heidi gives us some great tips on how to get funding as an entrepreneur starting out. Her mission is to identify innovative entrepreneurs in medium sized markets and states across the US and especially female entrepreneurs.
Prior to joining NTV, Heidi was a Principal at The Raben Group, where she led the Impact Entertainment division and advised media companies including Sony Pictures Television and YouTube on how to utilize storytelling as a tool for social change. She also served as Executive Director of Represent Justice, the public engagement campaign of Warner Bros.’ acclaimed film Just Mercy.
Previously, Heidi was a Partner at Picture Motion, and also served as an adjunct instructor at Duke University in the Sanford School of Public Policy. She has been featured in CNN International, Fast Company, Forbes, HuffPost, and Variety. She was recognized by The Case Foundation as a “Millennial Leader to Follow” and received the Media Impact Award from the PVBLIC Foundation and the United Nations Office for Partnerships. Originally from South Africa, Heidi grew up in Colorado and resides in Northern Virginia with her daughter, husband, and dog.